Amorgos is the easternmost island of the Cyclades, and it feels like the end of the line — in the best possible way. This long, narrow island of sheer cliffs and deep water was the filming location for Luc Besson's The Big Blue, and it retains that sense of wild, untamed beauty.
The Monastery of Hozoviotissa is Amorgos's icon: a whitewashed structure seemingly glued to a 300-metre cliff face above the sea, founded in the 11th century. The main towns — Chora and Katapola — are small, genuine, and refreshingly uncommercialized.
Sailing to Amorgos requires a longer passage from the central Cyclades (about 25 nm from Naxos), which keeps casual visitors away. The reward is pristine water, dramatic anchorages, and an island that feels like a discovery. The bay of Katapola is well-sheltered, and the small port of Aegiali in the north provides an alternative base for exploring.
Monastery of Hozoviotissa — 11th century, built into a cliff face
The Big Blue filming location
Dramatic underwater cliffs and pristine diving
Unspoiled Chora with genuine Cycladic character
Katapola bay — well-sheltered natural harbour
Eastern Cyclades remoteness — few tourists, deep authenticity
